A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In Virginia, a notice to pay rent or quit is a legal document that a landlord can serve to a tenant who is late on their rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must either pay the overdue rent by a specified deadline or vacate the premises. According to Virginia law, the notice must give the tenant a minimum of five days to pay the rent or leave before the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit (also known as an 'unlawful detainer' action) in court. If the tenant fails to comply with the notice by either paying the rent or vacating the property, the landlord may proceed with the eviction process by filing the appropriate legal action in court. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand that the eviction process is governed by strict legal procedures and timelines, and an attorney can provide guidance specific to the situation.